[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 151 (Friday, October 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ORDER OF PROCEDURE

  Therefore, I now ask unanimous consent that following morning 
business today, the Senate begin consideration of H.R. 2800, the 
foreign operations appropriations bill. I further ask unanimous consent 
that other than the offering of a substitute, the bill be open for 
debate only during today's session.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. FRIST. With this agreement in place, the two managers will be 
here at approximately 10 this morning to begin debate on this 
appropriations measure. There will be no rollcall votes during today's 
session. As a reminder, a cloture motion was filed on the nomination of 
Michael Leavett to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency. That vote will occur at 5:30 on Monday. In addition to that 
vote on Monday, I would expect consideration of amendments to the 
foreign operations bill. I will have more to say on that later, after I 
have consulted with the manager of that bill, the distinguished 
majority whip.
  I have also repeated our desire to complete a number of other 
important issues as we press on during these final weeks. The objection 
to begin consideration of the fair credit reporting bill was removed 
and we reached a consent to be able to proceed to that measure. 
Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach a consent for the 
consideration of the Healthy Forests legislation, but we will continue 
to work on and for that agreement.
  The CARE Act continues to be held up from proceeding to conference.
  The deadline for action on the Internet tax moratorium is fast 
approaching and we really need to expedite that bill.
  I mentioned the other day the importance of the Protection of Lawful 
Commerce In Arms Act. This bill has over 54 cosponsors and should be 
considered by the Senate before we adjourn.
  Nominations, in particular judicial nominations--those nominations 
which have been held up--do demand our attention and should be given 
their due process on the floor of the Senate.
  I mention all of these items while we continue the ongoing 
appropriations process. There is much work to do and little time in 
which to do it. Thus, we must make very efficient use of the Senate's 
time. I hope Members will help the leadership on both sides of the 
aisle as we go forward and schedule these remaining weeks. These 
individual pieces of legislation, as well as the appropriations bills, 
as well as those bills that are in conference, must get done before we 
depart.

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